Although it took the creators of the first Cars film five years to come up with a sequel and a follow up video game, it should not be viewed that the Cars was not at all interesting and unsuccessful.

On the contrary, the movie and the game turned out to be really something that are not just for the kids’ enjoyment, but as well as for the adults.

The video game, developed by Avalanche Software and published by Disney interactive goes beyond the normal race cars you’d see everywhere.

The game lets the player drive cars and race against the other cars. Though this may appear as simple, there is really more to the game than just racing.

Any kind and adult for that matter will probably like the game for its plot and mechanics.

But to appreciate Cars 2 video game, you have to look at things beyond the adult’s perspective for a highly complex and strategic game.

When playing something that has given kids joy from its line of Cars toys, Pyjamas, and clothes, you should leave all those childhood hesitancies and adult criticism, otherwise you won’t be able to gain fun from the whole experience.

However, you would need of course to look at the graphics and playability of the game still.

Cars 2 video game lets you start with the New Agent Training mode thereby allowing you to first get used to the basics of racing and the techniques for gaining lead positions in the race.

Perhaps it is more recommendable to watch the movie first before attempting to play the game.

Most developers of games based on movies usually have close tie-in with the movies thus the games would practically resemble the movie themselves. Although such predictability in the game can be bad for some gamers considering that there might not be any surprise plot anymore, with Cars 2, it’s just perfect.

Cars 2 video game can bring back the feel good factor that the movie gives to its viewers. This is exactly what one may really like to experience when one is playing the game for purposes of unwinding. If you have previously loved games like Mario Kart, then Cars 2 will just be as awesome for you.

Added factor to the game is the idea that the player can not only race, but can also use weapons during racing.

This is interesting because most kids would really love to have action when playing.

The specific toy weapons referred to here are guns and the graphics involved in the video game is definitely outstanding. Imagine an almost 3d like experience of shooting things through satellite lasers, missiles and other guns, all attached to the car character the player has chosen to use ion the game. A game with this quality would be something that any adult gamer should really love.

One of the races in the game is the scene for “When Life Gives You Lemons”.

This race is set on an oilrig and the movie scene this represents is the home of the “Lemons” or the cars in the movie that were considered to have problems when they were built.

What’s nice about this race is that at the start, the camera swings around your chosen car showing your car in a touch of motion blur and allowing you to take a full view of your car.

This is unlike other car races games where the player is just shown as the driver and the profile of the car is not seen at all.

The game by the way allows the player to choose from 25 car choices although majority of them would still need to be unlocked as the game goes on. Also, other than the racing, the player needs too to know ticks to gain turbo boost to win the game.

A Cars 2 fan will enjoy the game regardless of possible hitches. But there are really several reasons why a non fan will enjoy the game as well.

One of the many reasons would be the difficulty. Although it has been said earlier that the game is a no brainer, it technically gets difficult after a few stages.

The races become harder, requiring quick actions from the player. If you’re slow, you won’t be able to finish the game at all.

The additional extras in the game are drifting, energy turbos and collecting crests and badges.

Exciting actions that can be done too are driving through ten fruitstands in one of the races, drafting cars for five minutes, using fifteen turbos in a single event and hitting the chase car 25 times with the car weapons in the Survival Mode.

All these extras are an additional depth to the game, making the game a valuable rent for the hardcore adult gamers.

A hitch for the game however is it does not allow online multiplayer. Allowing the gamers to connect online would probably increase the game’s strength.

If online multiplayer is allowed, then the players will be able to compete with other gamers too.

A come on though for kid gamers is that they can play mini games like avoiding laser canons and collecting shields at the same time. This too comes from the scenes in the movie. And the gun firing may really be engaging for them.

All in all, Cars 2 video game can be an entertaining piece for both adult and kid gamer.

The hitch mentioned earlier can really be taken for granted, given that the game can give the solo player an amazing gaming experience.

If you’re a gamer and you think that Cars 2 is a blunder, you just might want to recheck your judgment and try playing the game first.

A PS3 Game Review: The Cars 2 Video Game – Not Just For Kids! is a post from: Tech Pinger

Today January 25, Bulletstorm reached the date of the demo on Xbox Live. This gives the starting gun for a year that promises to be exciting for the FPS. In addition, PlayStation Network users are assured that tomorrow will receive the demo. I know none of you have played yet, but it was definitely one of the funniest in which he had last year at E3. Get ready to kill with skill and desire to ridicule keys as soon as it is available for download. You will not be disappointed. The total size of the demo is 1.08 GB, and you can try the demo echo mode, where you can start enjoying Skillshot System, through which we can enjoy creative ways to kill enemies.

Bulletstorm is a game that goes back to the design philosophy of the old school in more than one sense. In the era of the modern “realistic” military shooter, Bulletstorm is blatantly unrealistic and over the top, more in line with games like Duke Nukem or Serious Sam, where are you, their weapons and thousands of enemies to kill so more and more ridiculous.

He is also obsessed with points, which seems strange in this day and age. How many times we laugh at the media describe as a GTA game in which he killed prostitutes “for points?” Silly news writers, this is not high score on Tetris or Frogger George Costanza – we have gone beyond the point! Bulletstorm just is not – covering the points and high scores on the heart.

The demo starts the player with three weapons – an assault rifle, a revolver and a grenade launcher that throws two bombs linked by a cord wrapped around any target they hit (either live or part of the environment), and can be detonated later. Each weapon also has a limited alternative fire attendants who, with a really cool effect, glowing bright red. The gun sets its targets on fire, and the grenade launcher (or “flingshot”) will slice through anything it touches like a circular saw.

As we all have words on Bulletstorm at E3 last year, not disapointed by this show, its value to download and start killing with skill. It will be released on February 22, 2011.

Click Here to Pre-Order Bulletstorm from Amazon.

Bulletstorm Demo Released on Xbox Live, PSN Release on Tomorrow is a post from: Tech Pinger

Nokia announced a new X-series Symbian smartphone named the Nokia X9,  running on Symbian 4 os.Nokia design X9 with lots features including a 3.5-inch WVGA Amoled touchscreen display, 12 megapixel camera with Quad LED flash light and 720p HD video recording capability, Media player, 3G/HSDPA support, GPS, microSD card which able to handle 32GB card, Dual Micro USB cable and a 3.5 mm headset jack.

Nokia X9 is expected to be released in March 2011 and will be available in two colors combination i.e Black with White.

Nokia announces Symbian^4 Smartphone “Nokia X9″ is a post from: Tech Pinger

The latest generation iPod nano is hacked, a first step leading to a possible jailbreak. The sixth generation iPod nano was available in September this year and featured an operating system that seemed superficial IOS. Despite being a touchscreen device and supporting some of the same multitouch gestures in IOS was soon confirmed that the stamp-sized music player is running IOS. That has not stopped people from trying to jailbreak and change it to support additional apps. While not much success so far, a hacker by the name of James Whelton managed to keep the device home screen. That is not entirely successful, but it shows that true jailbreaking possible.

Under the hood, the mini-MP3 player is running an alternative operating system that is poked and prodded by the devs since its launch. To accomplish this hack, Whelton edited a plist file – also known as a “property list” – in Apple parlance is a file that stores information on various app settings. By a change in one file, James from an app’s icon from Springboard, the Nano’s home screen app, and added an empty space in his place. Although it seems that this simply appears Springboard Hack hides apps as opposed to outright remove them, this point is not entirely clear at this time.

Although the new nano is a variation on the traditional iPod OS running app development that does not mean impossible. Indeed, the original iPod comes with a version of breakout as an Easter egg and the fifth generation iPod, Apple began offering a smattering of games through the iTunes Store – games for the iPod Classic models can still be bought in this way . Unlike IOS, however, Apple never the tools made for iPod game development audience, choosing to work directly with game makers.

Wheaton also discovered some hidden features on the device, including support for Apps, vCard, calendar and more. Some of these hidden features, such as film and TV support, were originally spotted when the unit first landed on retail shelves. With a little time and effort, Wheaton hopes some of these hidden features to turn on iPod nano. For those interested in the Springboard hack, Wheaton promised to post additional information later this week. While you wait, check out his proof of concept video after the break.

iPod Nano Hack Opens Entry for Future Jailbreaks is a post from: Tech Pinger

Microsoft is giving away 1 of the 4 XBOX Games over new windows phone 7 purchase, The titles that you can choose from are Halo: Reach, Fable III, Kinectimals and Kinect Joy Ride. One game will be awarded per mobile number with the value of the free game no higher than $60.

New Windows Phone 7 lets you know what your friends are doing whether they play XBOX, using Computer  and also lets you play multiplayer Mode, and display your avatar on phone.

The offer is good until December 31st and eligible handsets include the Samsung Focus, LG Quantum, HTC Surround, HTC HD7 and the Dell Venue Pro.

Wherever you get the Mobile, you just have to do is that Take the form along with the purchase receipt, a copy of the UPC code from the phone’s packaging, and within 45 days from the date on the receipt, mail the paperwork to Windows Phone 7 Redemption Program, c/o ePrize LLC, Dept #69384, PO Box 5046, Kalamazoo, MI 49003. And send it www.myfreexbox360game.com and print out a completed redemption form. The offer is valid till December 31^st

Get 1 of 4 XBOX Games for free on New windows Phone 7 Purchase is a post from: Tech Pinger

We had reported the release of Creative’s 7-inch Ziio Tablet, now it’s going to review the both 10 and 7 inch tablets,

The display – although our time with the tablet showed that it was fine, it’s not going to win too many awards, principally because this is a resistive 1024×600 display – or 480×800 on the 7-inch version. This does, of course, impact heavily on performance. Although using a stylus with the screen helps, the screen is noticeably less responsive than its more expensive brethren.

It is using its own ZiiLabs ZMS-08 processor, and although the company is remaining coy on the processor’s speed, it certainly does not feel quite as nippy as some other Android tablets and phones. The tablet itself is light and feels well put together – the 7-incher weighs in at 400g, and its bigger 10-inch brother at 650g. Both of the tablets are the same width – at 13.7mm, and both are relatively comfortable to hold.

The Creative ZiiO 10-inch has room for an SD card (up to 32GB) and the 7-inch tablet has a microSD slot (also up to 32GB). Input wise, both have mini USB and 3.5 stereo jacks

Indeed, the first impression of the audio is certainly that it is outstanding – with the X-Fi audio enhancements and the proprietary media player from Creative playing a part.

Both tablets run a version of Android 2.1 – not ideal for tablets – and the company itself acknowledges that both will benefit greatly from the arrival of Android 2.2, which will be available as an over-the-air update or via PC.

The Creative ZiiO 7-inch is available in white and the 10-inch in black – which seems a little limiting. Overall, this is going to be an interesting test of the market. The creative ZiiO lacks some of the polished qualities of its tablet cousins, and the resistive screen will put many off.

But the price point is significant – this is a major chunk less cash to lay out than for an iPad, or even the Samsung Galaxy Tab, and it remains to be seen if consumers are prepared to accept a little less finesse for a lot less cash.

Creative has set the price for the 10-inch at £249.99 for an 8GB version and £269.99 for the 16GB version. For the smaller 7-inch version the prices are £199.99 (8GB) and £219.99(16GB).

Meet the Creative ZiiO Tablets is a post from: Tech Pinger

Canadian based Score Media has announced that ScoreMobile will be available for Windows Phone 7 during the first quarter of 2011. the app will be a welcome addition to any new Windows Phone 7 user looking to get the latest sporting news.

Dale Fallon, director of the mobile division of Score Media, said the following: “We expect Windows Phone 7 to become a major player in the smartphone space and our team is working hard to engineer the best possible experience for serious sports fans.”

Score Mobile for Windows Phone 7 will join the apps already released for iPhone, BlackBerry and Android. All of these have been wildly successful, and with good reason. The app is extremely easy to use, and delivers up-to-the-minute news, scores, standings, rosters and best of all… its free.

Score Media is promising a “redesigned interface with a customizable dashboard,” and “multiple ways for users to personalize the look and feel of the app.”  Again, keep your hope for this one in the Q1 2011.

Window Phone 7 for ScoreMobile to be Released Early in 2011 is a post from: Tech Pinger

If you like OnLive and enjoy playing the latest and greatest games without bulky PC hardware or having multiple consoles, then there’s an option for you called Unlimited Play.

Cloud-based gaming service announced by OnLive, their intention is to offer a Netflix-like package for gaming. Dubbed “PlayPack,” the $9.99/month flat-rate plan beta is immediately available to OnLive MicroConsole owners.

The OnLive press release reads:

“OnLive’s “PlayPass” and “PlayPack” plans give players maximum flexibility to try or buy video games. Top-tier titles are available as individual rentals and purchases, while everything else is available at a flat rate. With these programs, OnLive is effectively offering the equivalent of an iTunes/Netflix combo for gaming.”

The PlayPack campaign allows OnLive users to play any of the games in the library of OnLive titles at no additional expense, and the games can be played for as long and as much as anyone wants. No discs, no lengthy download, no patches, just gaming.

Customers will be able to cancel the plan at any time. The better news is that the beta is free until Jan 15 when PlayPack comes out of beta. After January 15th the Unlimited Play program will pick up a $9.99 monthly fee. Now, this doesn’t impede on the current free-to-play model OnLive is currently utilizing, and gamers who wish to continue to pick and choose what they play, buy and demo can continue to do so after the free beta of the PlayPack program comes to an end.

You can learn more about the new unlimited PlayPack program from OnLive

January 15^th, and much more in the future. The current PlayPack beta library includes:

• Prince of Persia, Ubisoft
• NBA 2K10, 2K Sports
• Tomb Raider: Underworld, Square-Enix
• F.E.A.R. 2, Warner Bros
• Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X., Ubisoft
• Unreal Tournamentv3, Epic
• Vin Diesel Wheelman, Ubisoft
• LEGO® Batman, Warner Bros
• Defense Grid Gold, Hidden Path
• Saw, Konami
• Puzzle Chronicles, Konami
• King’s Bounty: Armored Princess, Katauri Interactive
• Ninja Blade, From Software

Image of OnLive PlayPack Gaming

OnLive “PlayPack” Beta Gaming Launched; Unlimited Free Gaming until Jan 15th is a post from: Tech Pinger

RIM has announced a new concept phone, the BlackBerry Empathy that displays the moods of your contacts. It would work by connecting the device to a biometric ring (mood ring) that would monitor and transmit your mood in real time.

The designers were required to integrate an interface into the handset which combines human emotions and social networking. The unique mobile phone has to be used in collaboration with a biometrics ring that is worn by users to collect ‘emotional data’. Amusingly, the device flaunts a transparent OLED screen which turns transparent when not in use and opaque during usage. The front side of the handset is entirely a touch surface, while on the back it equips a QWERTY keyboard.

The BlackBerry Empathy was intended to integrate real human emotions with social networking. Co-designer Daniel Yoon explains the mood interface: “Each contact has an avatar that is encompassed by two colored rings. The inner colored ring shows the contact’s previous emotional state, and the outer ring represents the contact’s current emotional state.” It would have an ‘Emotional Timeline’ that would let you track the moods of yourself and others over time. It would even let you see a person’s change in mood after a particular phone call or message.

The social networking aspect reminds me of the BlackBerry Enterprise’s Server free/busy lookup – except instead of seeing if your contacts available for a meeting, you can see if they’re in the right mood for a call. Some Android phones already do this by showing social network status updates on incoming calls from contacts, but the idea of that data being gathered passively is very new.

There’s also a new navigation mechanism based on a radial wheel surrounding contacts, and pinch-zooming to finding bundled people within certain subgroups, which you can see in action in the video below.

The project is part of collaboration with the Art Center College of Design. The Empathy would feature a standard portrait QWERTY design on one side, and a full touchscreen on the other. If this device does get produced, we doubt they’ll keep the crystal shape, or that ridiculous keyboard.

Click here to view the embedded video.

“BlackBerry Empathy”- A New Concept from RIM is a post from: Tech Pinger

Apple recently released their iOS 4.2 update, and it came along with some great features. One of those features was AirPlay, which allows the user to stream videos from their device to an Apple TV connected television. Unfortunately, it only worked with Apple-approved apps, which meant no YouTube, or VLC.

A developer by the name of Zone-MR’s whipped up a new hack to allow you to transmit video through ALL apps including Safari. That means you can stream them from anything from Safari to YouTube, or VLC. Considering the speed and relative ease with which Zone-MR developed this code, Apple may be on their way to making AirPlay open on future iOS updates (iOS 4.3, possibly?).

Below is a video including both the way for you to get this hack working for yourself as well as a video showing it working in the wild. You can download the hack over at this Cydia repository, and have lots of fun playing all sorts of internet video and video through VLC and on your awesome or crappy 3rd party players, wherever: http://cydia.zone-mr.net. Just remember, like always, that this is a hack and it can potentially reap your device straight to heck, so use all caution, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, don’t do it at all.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Apple AirPlay Hack – now Allows iOS apps to Send Videos is a post from: Tech Pinger